Most non-religious people wouldn't have a problem ...

[Marthe48]

7. I don't have religion but I have faith

The last few times I've been inside a church has been for funerals, weddings and other social rituals.

A comedian once wondered shy you have to go to church every week, thought that after 2 or 3 times, you should get it.

But church is a place of social interaction. You go to a church hoping to find like-minded people, be part of a segment of your community. Unfortunately, too many people think the person in the pulpit is not just a spokesman for the Lord, but like the Pope, Christ in the flesh on Earth. And infallible.

I went to church when I was a kid. I identify as Society of Friends, but also remeber I learned how to play shuffleboard in the basement. I attended some services at a Baptist church, before and after the philosphy went from helping your neighbor, to assuring us that God wanted us to be successful and if only you follow Him, you will get the most cows. With Biblical quotes to back up the new philosphy of God as capitalist. Most churches now promise affluence rather than being a conduit for good works. And the best cons in the pulpits are very good at lining their pockets and hanging on to the alms.

Years ago, my nephews were all interested in satan worship and the dark side. I knew that trying to talk them out of going that way wouldn't sway them, so I thought if I adhered to light and goodness, I'd be an example for them. I have come to realize that it is a lot easier to do the wrong thing than to do the right thing, but after 30 some years, it has gotten easier.

I don't have many conservatives in my life that I talk to, but I realized that it would be easier for them to come toward me than for me to go toward them. I am not right or wrong. I am trying to live my own life without harming others and if I go toward them, I am surrendering to the dark side.

In all, I hope that praying will send healing energy to those who need it. Even if I recently have doubts that a Supreme Entity, God hears my entreaties, I hope that my personal mindfulness on a daily basis helps me be a positive in the world, not a negative.